Page 20 of Reluctantly Yours

“I work every day,” I reply.

“You must really love your job.”

“Love has nothing to do with it. I work hard because people depend on me. SCM is the top media company in the country and I intend to keep it that way. This dinner is important. I need it to go well. I’ve got a business deal in the works with Fred. His company is up for sale, or will be soon, and I need him to like me in order to be the one to purchase it when it does.”

“And he doesn’t like you now?” Her lack of surprise is evident. The way her lips quirk to one side and her eyes widen with feigned shock.

I shrug. “He doesn’t know me. This dinner will help him get to know me better.”

“Yeah, I can definitely see how bringing a fake girlfriend to dinner will strengthen your bond. It’s all making sense now.”

“I need you to appeal to his girlfriend, Frankie. Keep her engaged so I can talk with Fred.”

“Are you calling me charming?” She smirks.

“It’s a stretch, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

I place my hand on Chloe’s back as we walk through the door and to the host stand. I shouldn’t be surprised that my hand nearly spans the width of her. I lower down so my mouth is near her ear. “I know how much you valueyourjob, so I know you’ll figure it out.”

My hand detects a quiver moving down Chloe’s spine, but she keeps her gaze ahead.

I check in with the hostess and she motions for us to follow her.

Fred and Frankie are already seated at the table when we arrive. They stand up and I make the introductions. I do a double take when I see Frankie’s dress. It appears to be the exact same dress as Chloe’s, except in a bright fuchsia color. Frankie is a good six inches taller than Chloe so what was short on Chloe is barely covering Frankie’s assets. I suck in a breath, wondering how this is going to go. Experience has taught me that women don’t like it when they are dressed similarly.

“Girl, I love your dress!” Frankie beams. “Is Balmain not the best designer ever? Fits like a glove. Fred could barely keep his hands off me in the car.”

I guess in Frankie’s case, she enjoys not being the only one half-dressed for dinner.

“I’m sure you had the same problem, Barrett.” She winks at me while waving her nails playfully. Her nails are just as long as they were last week when I met her at the wedding, but they have a new design. Pink, orange and yellow layered. They look like a blinding sunset.

“This was a gift from Barrett.” Chloe smiles sweetly. “We actually didn’t ride together. Barrett was working, so we met here.”

“He’s got fabulous taste,” Frankie replies.

“Working on a Saturday?” Fred admonishes.

“Chloe had some friends in town so I made myself scarce.” It’s a half truth.

Fred nods. “Ah. Well, it’s important to find balance.”

“We were in bed most of the day,” Frankie winks again, her exceptionally long lashes sticking for a moment before retracting, “but we didn’t rest, if you know what I mean.”

I know what she means, and it’s the last thing I want to think about before I eat dinner.

I move for the seat next to Fred, but when I pull out the chair, Chloe drops into it. Now any conversation I try to have with him will be crossing through the table.

“Let’s get some drinks.” Fred motions for the waiter.

When the waiter arrives, Fred orders a Manhattan for himself and a sex on the beach for Frankie.

“He knows what I like.” Frankie places a kiss on Fred’s cheek. “It also happens to be my favorite drink.”

Chloe’s eyes nearly bulge out of her head. It’s hard to tell if she’s overwhelmed by Frankie’s directness or the drink menu.

“Do you want me to order for you?” I ask her.

“Yes, please.” She sighs, placing the menu back on the table.